Public Accounts Committee asks Home Ministry for report on Great Nicobar Project

Why in news

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sought a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the Great Nicobar Project's environmental impact and naval expansion.

Background

The PAC, chaired by K.C. Venugopal, raised concerns over the Great Nicobar Project's ecological footprint and land availability for naval bases. The committee also highlighted funding and equipment shortages at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyPublic Accounts Committee (PAC): A parliamentary committee that examines the appropriation of funds and the efficiency of expenditure by the government.
• PlaceGreat Nicobar Island: Part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India.
• FactThe project involves the development of a large-scale infrastructure and a naval base in the Nicobar archipelago.

For Mains

Q. Examine the conflict between large-scale infrastructure development and ecological preservation in ecologically sensitive zones like the Nicobar Islands.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Ecological degradation: Irreversible loss of biodiversity and coral reef health in the Great Nicobar ecosystem.
• Strategic-Environmental trade-off: Balancing maritime security requirements with the preservation of fragile island habitats.
• Accountability gap: Delays in infrastructure and medical facility completion due to funding deficits and administrative bottlenecks.

Keywords: Ecological preservation · Parliamentary oversight · Strategic infrastructure · Environmental impact assessment · Fiscal accountability

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